A very common virus can be screened easily by women with the help of their tampon.
Despite 99.8% of cervical cancers being caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, nearly a third of AFAB individuals aged 25-49 skipped their cervical smear in 2023, according to Metro UK.
The first-of-its-kind HPV-testing tampon has been released by gynae healthcare brand Daye in an effort to tackle this. To collect a sample of cells the tampon can be inserted by users at home.
Moreover, it can then be sent — in specific packaging — to the lab for testing, and results will be out within five to 10 days.
For STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma; the company has already released a diagnostic tampon. It tests users from the comfort and convenience of their own home. Additionally, it will set them back £89.
Daye’s CEO and founder Valentina Milanova, while speaking of the initiative said: “Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 requires a joined-up approach of vaccination, screening and testing, and we hope to encourage more women and AFAB individuals to proactively test for HPV.”
“By utilising the familiar tampon, this hassle-free HPV testing kit is extremely easy and comfortable to use,” she added.